Devine schools get safety grant, extends contracts for 17 administrators

Dollars for Scholars president Bob Bendele, left, accepts a check for $2,994 from Devine ISD Superintendent Todd Grandjean as the district’s latest contribution to the foundation. Founded in 2009 by four 1950s era graduates of Devine High School, Dollars for Scholars invests the donations and uses the interest to fund scholarships for Devine High graduates seeking a post secondary education. More than $30,000 in scholarship have been awarded annually by the foundation since 2013. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Devine ISD has been awarded $200,000 in state grant funds to be used for safety initiatives, district superintendent Todd Grandjean told the Devine school board Monday.
He explained that assistant superintendent Daryl Wendel had submitted applications for two school safety grant programs “and we have actually been approved for one of the grants so far.”
The other application is still in progress, Grandjean said.
State officials approved the transfer of $105.5 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives through August 31, 2023. This additional funding will boost actions the State of Texas has already taken to make schools safer and support the mental health of children, teachers, and families following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
The money was transferred to state agencies and programs to enhance school safety and mental health services in Uvalde and throughout Texas.
Campus administrators continue to work and train their staff using the Safe and Supportive Schools system. SSSP is a coordinated multi-tiered support system that addresses school climate with regard to social, emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns.
Special programs director Abigail Beadle “is conducting grade level and departmental meetings at the secondary level the last few weeks to explore the impact of our curriculum instruction initiatives and our vision,” Grandjean said.
A “secondary education walk” is scheduled for Tuesday, he said.
“That’s where we take all the principals in the district and central administration and we walk them through elementary and intermediate,” Grandjean said. “We pop in and out of teachers’ classes so the other campuses get to see what is happening at the different grade levels.”
The board met in executive session, and a motion was made by Carl Brown moved and seconded by Henry Moreno to approve extending administrator contracts as recommended by the superintendent.  The motion passed, 7-0.
The following contracts were extended for the 2023-24 school year:
Jesse Hinojosa
Mandy Cross
Lysandra Reyes
LeeAnn Runnels
Jeffery Stivors
Evan Eads
Jodiann Dzierzanowski
Michael Gomez
Magdalena Strickland
Abigail Beadle
Kandi Darnell
Valerie Dykstra
Juan Gonzalez
Shannon Ramirez
Dawn Schneider
Daryl Wendel
James Sessions

Complete video coverage of the public hearing is available at the Devine News’ YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/fmw2W0XsPsc

Local Elections on May 6
Where, when, why, how much
Early voting April 24- May 2

 City of Devine-  Vote at City Hall
 Vote For or Against
Bond Election- $18 Million for drainage and flood control
Everyone can vote in the Bond election
Everyone can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook
District 2 and 4 get to vote in their races as well
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 4 – Debbie Randall
 
Devine ISD- Vote at County Building
Vote For or Against
Proposition A- 31.5 Million  for Safety and Renovations of Schools,  Band Hall
Proposition B- 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
 
Medina County- Vote at County Building
 (across from Tractor Supply)
Medina County ESD 2 (Devine Fire area)- add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5- (Natalia Fire area) add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4- (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25=  .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
 
Lyle ISD- cancelled election, no contested races
City of Lytle- cancelled election- no contested races
Natalia City/Schools- no elections
LaCoste City- no elections

Warhorse Robotics Team lands Rookie Inspiration award

On the team roster are: Jeremiah Cardenas, Brian Custodio, Hunter Erwin, Christian Esparza, Nathan Fuentes, Tommy Hinkle, Ted Hinkle, Eli James, Curtis Kuykendall, Ashley Mattke, Felix Mendoza, David Rendon, Ace Sosa, and Trinity Spurgers.

For the #FRC9311 Warhorse Robotics Team, this is their rookie year, competing in the FIRST In Texas District Qualifiers for the International FRC robotics competition.
“The heart that these kids have and how they work together (and sometimes apart) to achieve the best engineered robot is so impressive,” said one parent.
Last week, DHS Robotics went to Waco, and never before having been to a FRC, Warhorse Robotics finished 23 out of 41 teams. This past weekend they were in Belton. Working hard and working with 2 other teams to win alliances and move forward, these young students adapted and moved up the ranks.
Of 76 qualification rounds, the team played in 12 rounds. They placed in the top 8 teams. The team went into the finals as an alliance leader before getting knocked out in round 3 of the Finals.
With 3 more weeks of District Qualifying events happening across the state, the Warhorse Robotics team is just waiting to see if their score lands them in the top 80 out of 247 teams in the state. If so, Devine will compete at the FIT District Championships in Houston April 5th through the 8th.
They received the “Rookie Inspiration” Award at this event, celebrating the team’s outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as in their community.
On the team roster are: Jeremiah Cardenas, Brian Custodio, Hunter Erwin, Christian Esparza, Nathan Fuentes, Tommy Hinkle, Ted Hinkle, Eli James, Curtis Kuykendall, Ashley Mattke, Felix Mendoza, David Rendon, Ace Sosa, and Trinity Spurgers.
Coach Jim Wilcox stated, “I am so proud of the way these kids can ‘adapt and overcome’. It’s something I try to teach to all my students, and it is especially gratifying to see it play out in the real world. The experience these kiddos get competing at this level is priceless. They improved exponentially from Week 1 in Waco to Week 2 in Belton. In Waco we were just trying to survive, then in Belton we were straight up competing. It was awesome to witness.”
“I’d like to give a special shout out to my young Freshman Programmer, Brian Custodio. He came to me often saying, ‘Mr. Wilcox, we have a problem,’ but with a little push, he ALWAYS figured out a solution to the problem. His perseverance is inspiring….I want to thank Mr. Gonzalez for giving us the push and backing to make this tremendous endeavor happen. I also need to thank HEB for their generous grant, Keely Construction for donating their services to build parts that the kids designed.”
If there is anyone else out in the community who wants to donate to this unique, people-building experience Devine Robotics would love to partner with you.
More about it….
We worked on the robot for 7 weeks, going from Idea, to Concept, Design, Prototype, then the Final Product.
The Robot weighs in at 92 lbs.
The Robot is comprised of a driving base and a vertical raise-and-lower arm assembly with a pneumatic end-effector used to pick up and place the air-filled cube and cone game pieces.
There is a 15 second autonomous period at the beginning of every match where the robot must go score points without human controls. The remaining 135 seconds is the “tele-op” period, where the kids have to drive and operate the robot to get game pieces and score points.
The kids have to be in an alliance with 2 other schools/teams for every match, so they have to strategize and cooperate. This type of gameplay is something that FIRST has coined “coopertition”.

Voters will decide on bond projects for Devine ISD this May, a look at tax impact

By Anton Riecher
By a 6-0 vote the Devine ISD board of trustees voted Thursday (Feb. 16) to place a $31 million bond issue designated for “safety and security” improvements on the May election ballot.
On a motion by Chris Davis, seconded by board vice president Henry Moreno, the board approved two propositions for the May ballot. Both propositions would be supported by a tax increase if passed.

By Anton Riecher
By a 6-0 vote the Devine ISD board of trustees voted Thursday (Feb. 16) to place a $31 million bond issue designated for improvements on the May election ballot.
On a motion by Chris Davis, seconded by board vice president Henry Moreno, the board approved two propositions for the May ballot. Both propositions would be supported by a tax increase if passed.
Complete video coverage of the school board special meeting is posted on the Devine News’ YouTube channel at youtu.be/iaZF6xhsJVo.
Proposition A calls for $31 million on bond money for various projects such as a new district band hall, relocating high school administrative offices, improved site security through fencing and enclosed sidewalk corridors and a new early childhood center at Ciavarra Elementary.


Proposition B- on the ballot will call for for $1.2 million to cover new tennis courts and improvements to the stadium required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Any recreational things such as the stadium has to be put on a separate proposition,” board president Nancy Pepper said.
Yet to be determined is if funds for improvements to the district’s special education building will be used for renovations or to replace the aging structure altogether.
“We’re possibly going to build a new one rather than rescue the present building,” Pepper said.
The pressure of record inflation weighed against equally dramatic increases in property appraisals colored much of the closing debate. Pepper said the board’s long term policy on handling the district’s debt rate put it in an improved position to pursue the bond issue.
“Instead of lowering our debt rate every year as we paid off our bonds we kept it the same,” Pepper said.
Now, by means of a defeasance, the district has set aside sufficient funds to cover a large portion of the debt associated with the new bond issue. In effect, the district has nearly $11 million to apply toward the new bond issue, Pepper said.
“Because we’ve done that we could have called for as much as an $11 million bond issue and it would not have raised our taxes,” Pepper said.
Still, board members questioned whether it might be better to wait until the next available election date in November. Others suggested using the May election as a test for what voters might view more favorably if it were put forward again in November.
Board member Renee Frieda said that course of action would not show the board in the best light.
“We could always go out (in May) and then go out again in November,” Frieda said. “But does that make us look organized and thoughtful.”
On hand for the final debate were financial consultant Robert Tijerina of Tijerina Galvan and Lawrence and bond consultant Rose Kanusky of McCall Parkhurst and Horton. Casey Sledge of Sledge Engineering, construction consultants to the district, also addressed the council.
Board member Carl Brown was absent from the special meeting.

A message from Devine ISD on upcoming bond election….

DISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call for a $33.2 million bond election for Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The decision was made at a called meeting, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

Two propositions will be on the ballot. All projects are recommended with the priority given to improving the safety and security of DISD campuses and students.
Proposition A recommends projects at all four campuses and the special education building.
High school projects encompass measures to increase security, which include moving the DHS office downstairs and remodeling the current space into classrooms. Also on the list are a new band hall, and converting the existing band hall into a black-box theater. (A black-box theater is a simple space, typically a square room with black walls and a flat floor that will be used as a classroom for theater classes.)
Recommended projects at the middle school are an expansion of the boys and girls locker rooms, expanding the library, and a repurposing/remodeling of the cafeteria.
At the intermediate school, a secure vestibule (entrance) is recommended to increase safety and security.
Ciavarra Elementary recommended improvements include closing in all outdoor corridors, a new building that will include office space with a secure vestibule, early childhood center, including PreK and special education classrooms, a gym and dining area, and improvements to the drop-off and pick-up areas. The new facility will bring the youngest children much closer to the central campus.
A total of $2.5 million of the bond is allocated to renovating/expanding or building a new special education building. The current space at the facility is too small to accommodate the current number of staff members, meeting rooms, etc.
“After results of the bond election, we will determine the most cost-effective way to proceed with the special ed building,” Dr. Grandjean said.
Bond election regulations require recreation facilities to be separate propositions; therefore, Proposition B recommends the addition of four new tennis courts, doubling what is in existence currently.
“We are planning to have discussions with all aspects of the community, citizens, clubs–everyone. We will do these in-person and also on a virtual platform,” Dr. Grandjean said.
The current interest and sinking tax rate will not increase on the first $11.665 million of the bond.
After that there will be a $0.1807 per $100 valuation tax rate increase to the interest and sinking rate. (Interest and sinking is the budget that pays for debt that has been incurred by prior bond sales. The maintenance and operating side includes all the day-to-day running of the district. Bonds can be sold for facilities, purchase of buses, technology.)
That increase will bring the total DISD tax rate to $1.2753 per $100 valuation pending maintenance and operation tax rate compression at the end of the current legislative session.
The following table assumes the Local Homestead Exemption of $40,000.

Devine Lion’s Club Students of the Month

Students of the month Noah Davila and Bailey Oropeza with Lewis Stroud and DHS Principal Juan Gonzalez.

Meet Bailey Oropeza
This past September, Oropeza was accepted into Texas A&M University in College Station. She will major in Kinesiology, minor in Psychology.
“This will set me on track to receive my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree,” Oropeza said.
“I have been a member of Arabian Volleyball and Track teams for 4 years. I also served as the secretary of Student Council for 3 years. As a freshman, I was elected President of my class and for the last 3 years, I have remained an active member and secretary for our class. I have also been a member of FCCLA for all four years of high school. Last year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and have been an active member ever since. Outside of school, I have been a member of Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet for my 18 years of my life.”


Meet Noah Davila
Davila will attend Texas Tech, The College of Media and Communication in Lubbock.
“It is one of the best in the state and will provide me opportunities to experiment with all kinds of broadcasting and find internships at associated stations or even studying in D.C. and covering senate meetings,” Davila said.
“I’m the Editor –in-Chief of the school website, The Warhorse. I also work part time at The Devine News. Sometimes I’m the observed instead of the observer. I played base drums for the past four years in the Marching Band.”

Several Devine FCCLA students
STATEBOUND !

ABOVE….Devine FCCLA students competed this past weekend in Corpus Christi. Several will advance to State (see article). Pictured in top row: Felix Mendoza, Collier Paige, Lalo Hernandez. Middle row: Hailey Eads, Brianna Chavez, Sirley Chavez, Hilary Barnett, Katelyn Dinwiddie, Maddie Dubose, Ashley Mattke. Bottom row: Cassandra Elias, Makayla Breiten, Kourtni Geyer, Barbara Merlo, Cynthia Maldonado, and Mariah Carrillo. See article for regional placements and list of teams advancing to State.

Devine FCCLA students had a great outcome at the Region V Conference this past weekend held in the American Banking Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Competitors included:
Spotlight on Projects
Arabelle Davalos – Career Connections
Priscilla Fuentes and Miracle Tovar – Stand Up
STAR Events
Ashley Mattke and Cynthia Maldonado – National Programs in Action Level 3
Hilary Barnett and Katelyn Dinwiddie – Focus on Children Level 3
Those placing and advancing to state include:
Mariah Carrillo and Maddie Dubose – National Programs in Action Level 2 – 1st place
Sirley Chavez and Cassandra Elias – Interpersonal Communications Level 3 – 1st place
Brianna Chavez and Hailey Eads – Interpersonal Communications Level 2 – 2nd place
Kourtni Geyer and Makayla Breiten – Chapter Service Project Display – Level 3 – 2nd place
Felix Mendoza – Job Interview Level 2 – 3rd place
Collier Paige – Nutrition and Wellness Level 1 – 1st place – Devine FCCLA’s first middle school competitor
Barbara Merlo served as Region V’s VP of Achievement for this year and led the House of Delegates meeting and the 2nd General Session meeting. She also organized a successful Leadership Track for members to attend on Distracted Driving. She contacted Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services to have a representative come present to FCCLA members.
Lalo Hernandez served as Region V’s VP of Competitive Events and helped to organize and lead all competitive events for the conference.
Our chapter won the Texas FCCLA News Across Texas Award for Region V, as well.
Overall, Devine FCCLA will have 10 members advance to state in Dallas March 30 – April 2.  Our two Region officers will also be completing their obligations for 2023 at the State Conference.

Lions donate to Youth Alive and Devine Salvation Army

Lions Club donated $200 in gift certificates for toys for a kindergarten program called Youth Alive. Pictured are (l-r) Abigail Beadle, Baily Kohlleppel, and Kellen Nixon (Lions’ Club Treasurer).
The Devine Lions Club donated $500 to the Devine Salvation Army. Pictured are (l to r) Lewis Stroud, president, Cliff Redus, Kellen Nixon, treasurer and Bill Herring, vice president.

Mattke and Thacker win American Legion Oratory Competition

Competing from Devine were Noah Davila, Mia Clark, Harper Parson, and Ashley Mattke and from Hondo High School were Mikayla Birney and Katelyn Thacker.
First place winners were Ashley Mattke from Devine and Katelyn Thacker from Hondo.

The American Legion Constitutional Oratorical Contest was held at the Devine HS auditorium for both Hondo and Devine High Schools on Monday December 5th. Those competing from DHS were Harper Parson, Mia Clark, Noah Davila, and Ashley Mattke. Those competing from Hondo High School were Mikayla Birney and Katelyn Thacker.
Each competitor needed to present an 8 to 10 minute oration on any aspects of the Constitution without any notes or props. The two winners, one from each school, were Ashley Mattke of Devine and Katelyn Thacker of Hondo. Both Ashley and Katelyn will now advance to the District 23 Contest which will be held at the Hondo Public Library at 2pm on Sunday, Jan. 8th, 2023. Each of the winners were provided a Scholarship Award of $400. Second and third places also received $300 and $200 respectively.
American Legion Posts 524 and 128 are very proud of all six competitors who competed in this challenging event.

Robotics team rocks meet!

The Devine Robotics Team qualified for State this Sunday. Unfortunately, they were notified two days later that there was an error in the scoring and therefore they may not be advancing after all. As of press time Tuesday, Oct. 25 Devine is advocating for them, waiting on the news, and it is hoped that they will give them the opportunity to advance as first announced.

Eli James (left) and Curtis Kuykendall (right) compete for Devine High School during the UIL Robotics Meet last weekend.

Devine High Schools Robotics Team shown here super excited after finishing high enough to qualify to continue on to State as announced last Sunday at the meet. Unfortunately, their Coach was notified two days later on Tuesday that there was an error in the scoring and therefore may not be advancing to the State contest after all. As of press time Tuesday, Oct. 25 Devine is advocating for them, waiting on the news, and it is hoped that they will find a spot for the team and give them the opportunity to advance. To get to the level of success, competitiveness and skill they did says a lot about their preparation, dedication and determination. We proudly present the 2022 DHS Robotics Team: Top row-left to right is Roy Vanderslice, Robotics Coach Mr. Jim Wilcox, Ted Hinkle, Hunter Erwin, Felix Mendoza, Christian Esparza, Gabe Lopez. Middle row, Trinity Spurgers. Bottom row, Tommy Hinkle, Eli James, David Rendon, Curtis Kuykendall.  Not pictured are Brian Custodio, Nathan Fuentes and Kenneth Byers.
Last Sunday they competed in the annual UIL-BEST San Antonio Regional competition at St. Mary’s University. The team has been diligently working towards designing, engineering, Programming, building and operating a robot that will repair and control another robot in an order fulfillment facility. They have also been putting together a Marketing Presentation, Team Exhibit, and Engineering Notebook to go along with the robot.